Our clinic family strives to provide your pet with the love and care that they would give their own.
Dr. Paul O'Neill, Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Paul grew up on a farm full of animals that backed onto Pigeon Lake in the Kawarthas. His love of animals is a family affair as he remembers his father keenly observing animal behaviour. He had two uncles and and an older brother who became veterinarians before he followed in their footsteps. He graduated in 1984 and worked in a mixed animal practice as did his wife Barb. They took up residence near Gananoque in 1987 and began raising their family.
Dr. Paul cares for all pets and has a special interest in behaviour, birds, pocket pets and exotics. He enjoys meeting his our clients and their pets. Dr. Paul is as focused on providing care for your pets as he is in mentoring our team to be the best they can be.
In his free time he enjoys flying small planes, playing hockey, skiing and hiking.
Dr. Barb O'Neill, Veterinarian/Owner
Dr. Barb grew up in Thornhill with 2 brothers, a sister and an assortment of pets. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian ever since she was a tot. She graduated in 1984 from the Ontario Veterinary College where she also met her future husband. They came to the Gananoque area in 1987 with her husband where they raised their 4 children Joesph, Bryce, Kristin and Danae. She loves to cross country ski and do agility with their Standard Poodle Cheena, and paddles in the summer.
Dr. Barb has a strong interest in performing surgery, ophthalmology and chemotherapy.
Dr. Barb & Dr. Paul have also spent time in Africa, Haiti and El Salvador performing missionary work.
Dr. Barb has a passion for fundraising for The Farley Foundation and has been recognized by this organization for her ongoing efforts. This organization provides financial aid for pet care for financially challenged individuals.
Dr. Barb and Dr. Paul's home is filled with an assortment of pets. There are many nights a sick pet comes home with them to recuperate beside the woodstove!
Dr. Braden Cruz, Veterinarian
Dr. Braden Cruz joined our team in July 2019 as a graduate of Atlantic Veterinary College. Prior to AVC he attended Dalhousie University.
Dr. Braden spent his early years growing up on a hobby farm in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia (almost as hard to say as Gananoque!). Here he helped care for the family's donkeys, horses, sheep, dogs and cats. His favourite pet was their Springer Spaniel Sophie who had boundless energy to go on adventures with.
Dr. Braden gained early job experience working in his father's dental practice. He spend a number of years educating the public in a wildlife park in Nova Scotia while caring for birds and other inhabitants.
Dr. Braden lives in Gananoque and spends his free time downhill skiing, gaming, hiking and reading. His fabulous baking skills and cinnamon buns have made him a hit with the rest of our team!
Lori Dunn, Hospital Manager
Lori's love of horses and beloved Toby the Dog attracted her to the animal health field as a child. She was raised in Rockport and graduated from Seneca College in 1986. Lori has worked as a Veterinary Technician and now as a Manager.
She is pleased to have been with Island City Animal Hospital since we opened the doors and enjoys the connection people have with their pets. It is easy to come to work every day when you have found something you love doing.
Lori & her daughter Faith share their home with their best friend, an active border collie Oz. Her spare time is filled with running, enjoying the river, travelling and her hobby of photography.
Kaley Munk, Registered Veterinary Technician, Office Manager
Kaley joined our team in 2018 after moving back to Ontario to be closer to her family. She brings with her a special dedication to caring for pets and their people alike. She is a versatile team member and can be found making a difference everywhere in the hospital.
Kaley was raised in Owen Sound alongside of beef cattle, horses, chickens and Riley her heinz 57.
Kaley graduated as a Registered Veterinary Technician from the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus in 2008. Before joining us, she worked in Brandon Manitoba where she worked with small animals, exotic pets and horses.
Kaley and her husband Erin make their home in Gananoque. The keep busy renovating, hiking, mountain biking and enjoying the river.
Debbie Shanks, Veterinary Technician
Debbie was raised in Stouffville and graduated from Seneca College. She came to our team in 2001 and has been providing wonderful care for the pets coming through our doors ever since. Deb has the kind, quiet demeanor that help pets to relax in her company. She is truly a treasure on our team. Over the years Debbie has built many friendships with our clients and pets alike. She is incredibly organized and efficient with a focus on ensuring your pet gets the best care possible. You will find her in the appointment rooms, cleaning your pet's teeth, assisting in surgery or offering friendly advice at the front counter.
Deb and her son Rory make their home in the Elgin area. Deb has rescued several senior dogs over the years and spent time fostering kittens from our local shelter. She spends her spare time cheering on her athletic son. Deb enjoys running, reading and life on the Rideau.
Taylor Huck, Registered Veterinary Technician
Taylor has been working with us as student for many years. Her passion for pet care took her to St. Lawrence College where she graduated as a Veterinary Technologist in 2016. Taylor’s enthusiasm for assisting in surgery and dentistry makes her an important member of our team. She also loves caring for our patients and answering all of our clients questions.
Taylor’s love for animals spills over into her personal life. Taylor and her husband Wesley make their home on a hobby farm in the Gananoque area. Her farm is filled with three dogs Cherokee, Zyra and Romeo and horses Hampton and Gene and a few kitties. The star of the farm is potbellied pig named Petunia who has a very engaging personality.
Dayna Snowdon, Registered Veterinary Technician
Dayna joined our team after graduating from Georgian College in the spring of 2019. Dayna was raised on a Dairy Farm in the Merrickville area and was responsible for the care of animals from a very young age.
She enjoys caring for pets in this same way and helping increase the lifespan of our patients through proactive healthcare.
Dayna, Joe and her 12 year old kitty Luna make their home in Kingston. She is a sports enthusiast and can be found downhill skiing, playing basketball or baseball.
One of her favorite pastimes is spending time visiting her nieces and nephews on the farm.
Justine Miller, Veterinary Assistant
Justine’s wonderful smile and caring, kind heart is here to greet you and your pet. Raised in North Augusta under the watchful eye of her dogs Bailey and Holly as well as Karl the cat she has always been interested in caring for pets.
Justine spent time with us on her college placement and we were delighted when she joined us in February 2020. She loves making a difference in the lives of people and their pets.
Justine and Hunter along with kitties Bruno & Belle make their home in Kingston. Outside of work, Justine spends time reading, volunteering, pet sitting and visiting family. Justine would like to further her education and aspires to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Tanya Crozier, Veterinary Assistant
Tanya has always loved animals since she was a little girl. She used to bring stray pets home when she was younger and nurse them back to health.
A graduate of St. Lawrence College Vet Assistant program she has been with the clinic since 2008. Tanya lives with her husband Brandon, two active Australian shepherds Charlie, Chappy and their beautiful girls Ady and Olivia.
Puff, Our Fearless Mascot!
Puff official role is Waiting Area Supervisor. He is a bearded dragon who loves to interact with our visitors. His quiet manner gives the children that come in a chance to interact with him.
In the summer Puff loves to be outside basking. He enjoys chasing crickets and meal worms but rounds out his diet with salad and berries.